Player ratings: Draw enough for Atleti to secure third

See how the players faired in the season's final game against Granada

Atlético Madrid ended the season in low-key fashion, but got the draw they needed to ensure automatic qualification for next year’s Champions League against Granada on Saturday evening.

While the home team celebrated survival in La Liga for another year, the Atleti players can go off on their holidays safe in the knowledge that they have met their target for the season, despite an underwhelming attacking performance.

Read on to see how we rated the players:

Jan Oblak – 7

Secure as always. Didn’t have any saves to make, but was alert from the first minute and took the sting out of the game early on with a couple of good catches. Our number one for next season.

Juanfran – 6

Solid in defence, but not a vintage performance from Juanfran. With Arda missing, he would probably be looked upon as our main attacking outlet other than Griezmann, but didn’t really get involved.

Diego Godín – 7

Probably the one player who has performed at a high level consistently throughout the season for Atleti. Granada didn’t attack much, but when he dealt with everything he had to when called upon. Hallmark of a great defender.

João Miranda – 7

In what was potentially his last game for Atleti, we saw the version of Miranda that all fans should remember when he inevitably does move on. Calm, composed and always one step ahead, leaving very little for Granada’s front men.

Guilherme Siqueira – 6

Against his old club, Siqueira didn’t show the type of energy and endeavour that made him a favourite with the Granada fans. Probably offered more of an outlet than Juanfran, but couldn’t build on his improved recent run of form.

Gabi – 6

Helped Atleti gain control of the midfield, but never loked likely to open up the Granada backline or make a mark on the game in an attacking sense. As much as it hurts to say, our captain probably needs upgrading next season if we are to push on.

Tiago – 6

See above. Tiago works better in high intense games rather than ones where Atleti dominate possession, but with one year left on his contract he will still be useful to have around next season. At 34, was this his best season in red and white?

Koke – 7

His form has dropped in the last few months, but he was probably our best midfielder today. He was one of the few looking to make things happen and created our best chance for Griezmann, but his teammates weren’t on his wavelength for the most part.

Saúl Ñíguez – 6

Quiet game for Saúl, who didn’t really do anything of note bar a few nice first time passes. Have to say, we’re not totally convinced with him in the more forward role, and would like to see him in the pivot next year.

Antoine Griezmann – 6

After a rip-roaring run of form in April, the Frenchman has seen his season fizzle out and made very little impact in the last few games. Did try his luck a couple times in the first half, but again didn’t play with the edge and swagger we have been getting used to from him.

Raúl García – 7

We originally thought Raúl would lead the line in Torres and Mandzukic’s absence, but he ended up showing up more or less everywhere on the pitch. Like Tiago, this type of game doesn’t really suit him, but it wasn’t for the lack of trying.

Subs

Raúl Jiménez – N/A

Jesus Gámez – N/A

Do you agree with our ratings? Who was your Man of the Match?

SLTC

Atletico desperately need a play maker… oliver torres will return but need a top class play maker until oliver become that class! i suggest Koke to go to center mid and Gaitan or Silva will be good for the place koke playing now

I think Óliver, Arda and Correa should be fine, we mostly need more variety, I think. Oli has proven himself at Porto and deserves his chance to be at least second to Arda, but preferably next to him. Gabi and Tiago need an upgrade, like Billy said, and those upgrades are Saúl, Koke and a new central defensive midfielder with experience.

I think the main problem is that we’re relying on Arda and Koke too much for the creativity right now. Gabi and Tiago and even Mario aren’t that clumsy, but we need midfielders who are faster at bringing the play forward.

We’ve seen the last few months that from the back the sole strategy has become kicking the ball forward, hoping the four offensive players can catch the ball somewhere, but with a midfielder thinking as quickly as Koke is capable of, I think our offensive play will improve tremendously.

If at least Koke can play CM starting as soon as early preseason (but preferably Saúl too), he’ll be more used to his role as a pivot in this team. If he can do it for Spain and he was great in our youth and reserve squads, he can do that for Atleti A too. Saúl played CDM and even CB for Rayo and was their player of the year, so I think he is capable as well. I have no idea what’ll happen to Gabi, Tiago and Mario, but I think we should keep only one and invest in one replacement, leaving us with four players for two positions.

I think with the CM improved, our – from my perspective – extremely qualified playmakers will get more room to shine, show their skills and be happy (because they get the ball more oftenly and easily) and I believe that will prove very beneficial for the team, who need a fresh face.
If Correa stays, I think we only need one more offensive midfielder, as I see García as a forward or a fifth midfielder on SOME occasions. That offensive midfielder could be someone like Cani again. With a little luck someone like Cazorla, but I think he will be expensive and I also would like to see the experienced offensive midfielder bench some games, so Oli can get starting places, Arda can, Correa can (if he’s ready) and we’ll have more rotation and therefore better rested players.

Also, I think you mean David Silva… I don’t think we’re able to get him. Way too expensive, probably and he’ll want to play every game. It will be good for the game to have him among us, but we need to give Oli space, which is more important to me. I haven’t really followed Gaitan the past few years.

I’d prefer an experienced second-choice playmaker among the squad we have now, is my main opinion at the moment. Won’t be the most skillful ’10’ in the world, but it will fit this team, the way I see it.